Chennai: Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Siva, witnessed heavy rush today as devotees celebrated Maha Sivarathri festival with traditional zeal and religious fervour across Tamilnadu.
Cutting across age barriers, devotees, including women and children, thronged small and big shrines since early morning to offer prayers and take part in special poojas and rituals on the occasion.
Ardent devotees even remain awake throughout the night and spend their whole day in temples.
Lord Kapaleeswarar temple at Mylapore in Chennai, Sri Ekambaranathar temple in Kanchipuram, Peruvudaiyar temple in Thanjavur and Arunachaleswarar temple in Thiruvannamalai are among the major shrines which witnessed heavy rushsince early morning.
Temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements in Siva temples to ensure smooth darshan for devotees. Thousands of police personnel were deployed in view of the large turnout of devotees. Cultural programmes were also organised in many temples and at places like Sivan Park at K K Nagar.